Pune traffic congestion has intensified on Laxmi Road as Diwali shoppers crowd the central market area and vehicles are parked along both sides of the road, according to a report by Sakal – Pune. The obstruction has slowed movement on the shopping street and affected traffic on adjoining roads in central Pune.
The congestion has built up as residents visit Laxmi Road and nearby markets to buy clothes, jewellery, festive food items, decorations and gifts. The report said the shopping rush began from Thursday, with the weekend holidays adding to the number of visitors in the area.
Laxmi Road is one of Pune’s major traditional shopping destinations and attracts heavy footfall during the festive season. The combination of pedestrian movement, increased vehicle arrivals and roadside parking has reduced the space available for moving traffic. Vehicles parked outside shops and along the edges of the road are making it difficult for traffic to pass smoothly.
According to the report, two-wheelers and cars are being left on both sides of the road by shoppers. When vehicles become stuck at one point, the resulting slowdown affects a longer stretch of Laxmi Road. The congestion has also spilled over to other roads in central Pune, affecting people travelling through the area for routine work as well as those visiting for Diwali shopping.
Families heading to the market have faced delays in reaching their destinations, while office-goers and other regular commuters have also been affected by the increased traffic. The disruption highlights the pressure placed on a central shopping corridor when seasonal demand rises but road space and parking capacity remain limited.
The report attributed the worsening traffic conditions to the lack of adequate management of the festive crowd and the continuing parking problem. It said that many shoppers are choosing to bring their own vehicles, even as available road space is reduced by parking on both sides.
The situation also raises an operational challenge for managing high-footfall markets in central Pune. Laxmi Road’s commercial importance brings large numbers of shoppers to a relatively constrained urban street, while the same road must continue to carry regular traffic. During peak periods, even a small obstruction can slow movement across the wider network, as reported congestion on the shopping street affects adjoining routes.
Sakal – Pune reported that effective traffic planning is needed to reduce inconvenience to shoppers and maintain smoother movement in the market area. The report did not provide details of any specific traffic restrictions, designated parking arrangements or official measures announced for the Diwali shopping period.
